§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he will explain why Englishmen have been appointed to vacant postmasterships in Lisburn, Roscrea, Kilmallock, and Bullevant, while competent men could be found in Ireland; and whether it is intended to make similar appointments to the vacancies in Kingstown.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWhen the postmasterships referred to were vacant, candidates were invited to apply for them in the usual manner, and from amongst the candidates the Post master General selected in each case the officer who appeared to be the best qualified for appointment, having regard to rank and seniority as well as efficiency. In one at least of tin; cases referred to the person appointed is believed to be Irish; but under ordinary circumstances no reference is made to the nationality of the candidates. The postmastership of Kingstown has already been filled up.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLWas there any application from Irish officers for these positions?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI do not know, but I should think it probable there was. Does the hon. 106 Gentleman mean that no Englishmen should be appointed, and will he be prepared to accept the corollary that no Irishmen should be employed in English post offices?
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLWhy should Irish offices be reserved for Englishmen?